The Little Dixie Fire Protection District (LDFPD) held its annual Appreciation and Award Dinner at the 4-H Center on Saturday, Feb. 19.

Years of service pins that were given throughout the night include the five-year pin to Austin Terrell, Audri Deimeke, Nathan Yeager, Ethan Baca, Colton Hamilton and Doug Boner; 10 years of service for Tyler Shaw and Casey Cuno; 15 years of service for Greg Stowers and Lt. Jared Jackson.

Those who were awarded a golden axe for their 20 years of service were recently retired Capt. Josh Loyd, Capt. Scott Nichols, Capt. John Gray and Lt. Korey Smith.

Lieutenant Michael Orth was recognized for his 25 years of service.

Assistant chief Rob Erdle received a leather helmet for serving 30 years.

This year, there were two named Firefighter of the Year, Eli Kramer and Brandon Reams.

Kramer joined the department on Feb. 5, 2015 after being on Martinsburg Fire for several years. 

“Eli is committed to the department and attends regular training as well as specialized training,” said fire chief Bill Albus. “He also is a first responder and is full time employed by the Audrain County Sheriff Department. Eli also steps up and fills in for open first responder shifts and covers when someone needs coverage. Eli has also taught some classes for the department.”

“Eli also, on numerous occasions, has responded to both medical and fire calls during the day to assist when he is able to leave his job at the courthouse. This is a big help when there are only a few us available on days to respond. Eli's dedication and commitment to the department and the community is what exemplifies him as an excellent firefighter.”

Reams joined the department on June 13, 2013. Brandon always attends Thursday evening training as well as any specialized training. 

“Brandon is always ready to respond to all fires whether it is a natural cover or structure fire,” said Albus. “Once at the fire he always works hard to complete any tasks that is 

given to him without question.” Upon returning to the station, he jumps in to clean whether it is a truck or equipment without having been told. Brandon also participates in the convention team and spends hours in extra training for that. Brandon's dedication and commitment to the department and the community is what exemplifies him as an excellent firefighter.”

Capt. Todd DeOrnellis was given the Life Saving Award for his quick response to an incident on Jan. 11 in Clark. 

At 9:55 a.m. at County Road 2795 and Norfolk Southern Railroad Crossing on Jan. 11 Norfolk Southern Railroad conductor Rita Terrell radioed to their dispatch center that they hit a private vehicle and it was on fire at the railroad crossing at County Road 2795 Clark. Norfolk Southern electric welder Todd DeOrnellis, who is also a captain for Little Dixie, was sitting at the next crossing north of the intersection waiting for track time after the train passed and heard the call go out. When he heard that, he retrieved a couple of fire extinguishers and proceeded to the scene. 

Upon arrival, captain DeOrnellis and conductor Terrell proceeded to attempt to extinguish the fire on the vehicle. Once the vehicle was extinguished enough to get close to the vehicle, DeOrnellis and Terrell proceeded to pull the three victims from the wreck, a 53-year-old male, an 8-year-old male who were both deceased and a 12-year-old male who was still alive. When they pulled out the 12-year-old, DeOrnellis noticed that he had significant injuries. DeOrnellis proceeded to treat the boy for shock and gave him comfort until EMS crews arrived to take over care of the patient and transport to the hospital. 

“Without the quick heroic actions of captain DeOrnellis and conductor Terrell, both are employees of Norfolk Southern Railroad, there would have been a third fatality,” said Capt. Charlie Peel with Southeastern Randolph FPO. “For their actions which were above and beyond what was ever expected of them, a young boy is still alive, and we commend them for their action.”